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A cognitive theory of skill acquisition which emphasizes the role played by feedback in the modification of a performer's movements. The theory, proposed by J. A. Adams in 1971, has two key neural components: a memory trace, which selects and initiates an appropriate response; and a perceptual trace, which acts as a record of the movement made over many practices. During and after an attempt of the movement, feedback and knowledge of results enables the performer to compare the movement with the perceptual trace. The trace acts as a reference of correctness so that appropriate error adjustments can be made for subsequent attempts of the movement.